Busting Common Myths About Sun Protection

Ben Thomas
Written by Ben Thomas
Ben Thomas
Written by Ben Thomas Chief Experience Officer (CXO)

Ben has over 17 years of experience in Private Health Insurance across Customer Experience, Marketing and Sales. His work focuses on transforming member journeys, strengthening digital and marketing performance, and creating clearer, more personal interactions across the entire lifecycle. With deep expertise in acquisition, retention and product strategy, Ben draws on his marketing and product experience to support smarter, member-focused design. He also developed a comprehensive Product Landscape Analysis tool used to understand market competitiveness and enable experience-led product development.

Read More
Published: January 13, 2021
Last checked: March 19, 2026
Busting common skin protection myths

We know we should protect our skin when spending long periods in the sun, but what about when it’s cloudy or if you tan easily?

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so when it comes to protecting your skin, it’s important to have the facts. Here are six common sun protection myths, separated from fiction.

Common myths about sun protection

Myth 1: You can’t get burnt on windy, cloudy or cool days

Sun damage is caused by UV radiation, not heat or wind. This means it’s possible to get sunburnt even when it’s not sunny. UV rays can penetrate clouds and may even be more intense due to reflection.

Cancer Council SA recommends checking the UV forecast and protecting your skin when levels are 3 or above.

Myth 2: Sunscreen isn’t necessary if your cosmetics include SPF

Unless your cosmetics have an SPF rating of 30 or above, you’ll likely need additional sunscreen, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors. You may also need to apply more product than you typically would for adequate protection.

For longer exposure, choose SPF30 or higher and remember to reapply regularly.

Myth 3: You can stay in the sun longer with SPF50 than SPF30

While SPF50 offers slightly more protection than SPF30, the difference relates to how much UV radiation is filtered, not how long you can stay in the sun. SPF30 filters about 96.7% of UV radiation, while SPF50 filters around 98%.

Regardless of SPF level, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and after swimming, exercising or towel drying.

Myth 4: You need plenty of sun exposure to avoid Vitamin D deficiency

When UV levels are 3 or above, most Australians can get enough Vitamin D in just a few minutes, such as during a short walk outdoors.

Spending longer in the sun without protection doesn’t significantly increase Vitamin D levels but does increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

If you’re concerned about your Vitamin D levels, speak with your doctor.

Myth 5: If you tan easily, you don’t need sun protection

Skin darkening is a sign of skin damage, even if there’s no redness or peeling. Tanning is your body’s response to protect itself from further UV exposure, so sun protection is still essential.

Myth 6: You can’t get burnt through a car window

Untinted windows may reduce UV exposure but rarely block it completely. Prolonged time in a car can still lead to sunburn when UV levels are high, so it’s important to protect your skin.

Keeping your skin in check

Looking after your skin goes beyond sun protection. Regular self-checks and professional skin checks can help identify small changes early.

Learn more about skin checks and early detection.

If you have concerns about your skin or how to protect yourself from sun damage, speak with your doctor or health care professional.

Source: Cancer Council SA